As I mentioned in my introduction thread I had the opportunity to check out the 2019 Ranger in person at the NAIAS this past weekend.

While my pictures are far from professional, maybe some less glamorous photos will give a different perspective.

I will say it is a definite change in purpose from the previous gen and my 2003 Edge.

Interior design and comfort looks like a smaller F150/Escape, which shouldn’t be a surprise. IMO nice to be used as a DD but not overly fancy where you don’t want to take it onto a trail.

Exterior wise looks pretty slick. I don’t think the pictures do it justice, by that I think it looks more aggressive in person then the pictures portray it.

Finally powertrain wise, a 10 speed it pretty insane in a Ranger… or at least a decade ago I would have thought so. While they wouldn’t confirm, doesn’t look like this will ever get a manual though.
The 2.3 EcoBoost is a hell of an upgrade from my old 3.0 and even from the elitist 4.0 (HAHA).
Looking at other variants output (280 Explorer, 285 MKC, 310 Mustang, 350 Focus RS) it’s quite likely to make upwards of 270 hp from the factory *cough tune*

All in all I’m honestly interested and looking forward to test driving one early next year at the local dealership.

The sticker at the base of the transmission sign is really interesting. Did somebody just typo the 3.5 bit in, or at one point was a 3.5 being planned for the Ranger and they dropped it down to the 2.3 along the way?

Is it me, or does the front seats leave you with the impression of sitting on a toilet? why so damn tall ! Almost same seat design as the PT Cruiser had...

Outside of that and known options from following my own around the world Aussie, Kiwi, and S. African connections/friends I have liked the T6 ranger for some time. The only thing I dont particularly care for is the seemingly high belt line and shorter stance of the (looking or perceived) side windows and glass work. It just seems odd or squished looking which of course revs back up the need for such taller seat platforms.

Maybe I am just stuck mentally into my 3rd Gen too much still... ?

__________________"The slave is held most securely when he is held by the chains of his own will and of his own fears, and when he is locked down by his own slavish desires for a comfortable life." - Michael Bunker